The mayor of Zapopan, Juan José Frangie, coordinator of the World Cup organisation in Jalisco, led a press conference in Madrid as part of his working tour of Spain.
During Zapopan Week in Madrid, held at the Casa de México in Spain, Mayor Frangie presented Jalisco’s progress, agenda and strategy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His message was clear: Jalisco wants to be the best host for the World Cup. During the meeting with the Spanish media, Frangie recalled the Spanish national team’s participation in the 1986 World Cup in Mexico and issued a direct invitation: ‘We want Spain to play again in Mexico, in Jalisco and Zapopan.’
The mayor, a football enthusiast and former director of the Mexican team Chivas de Guadalajara, emphasised that this historic edition, the first to be held in three countries, opens up new opportunities for exchanging experiences with nations such as Spain, especially in view of its own World Cup in 2030, as part of the World Cup Centenary.
Frangie emphasised that every World Cup venue is prepared to a high standard, but Jalisco has a characteristic that no other venue can replicate: it is the most Mexican venue, representing the essence, identity and deepest symbols of our country, such as mariachi, tequila, folklore and charrería.
In addition, the city has a large capacity and infrastructure for hospitality, varied cuisine and is a ‘very football-loving’ place, which ensures, he said, ‘a great sporting celebration’.
Speaking to Spanish and Mexican media, Frangie discussed key issues for any visitor: safety and mobility. He emphasised that Zapopan and Jalisco have reinforced protocols and coordination between the three levels of government to ensure a safe and reliable environment for athletes, technical staff, the press and fans.
He also highlighted the importance of connectivity: Guadalajara Airport will be the best in Latin America and will have connections to all the World Cup venues, as well as a direct public transport line to Guadalajara Stadium.
Added to this is Zapopan’s strategic location, less than three hours from some of Mexico’s best tourist destinations: Puerto Vallarta, Tequila, Mazamitla, Chapala and Costalegre, consolidating the municipality as an ideal base for domestic and international tourists.
As part of the World Cup schedule, Zapopan will host four World Cup matches (11, 18, 23 and 26 June), welcoming the Mexican national team in the second of these. In addition to two play-off matches recently confirmed by FIFA, to be held between 23 and 31 March 2026.
Despite receiving these matches, the party will last for the entire 39 days of the World Cup with the FIFA Fan Festival, which will be located in downtown Guadalajara and is expected to receive up to 65,000 visitors per day. This is in addition to all the activities that will be organised in different parts of the state.
During the tour, Frangie also highlighted initiatives that seek to put the state on the world map, such as the Guinness World Record that will represent the transition from the Jalisco Stadium to the Guadalajara Stadium as a World Cup venue.
In addition, there will be a legends match played in Zapopan, an event that will bring together historic figures from the world of football and will become one of the main attractions in the run-up to the World Cup.
Frangie emphasised that the World Cup is not just a sporting event, but a great opportunity to leave a legacy in the city and strengthen international cooperation and relations
At the close, Juan José Frangie reiterated the central message of his tour: Spain, and the world, are invited to experience the 2026 World Cup from Jalisco and Mexico Zapopan, with the promise of offering the best World Cup experience.
Source: INERZIA Communication